Boat Residents Receive Wonderful Support ​for their “Open Moorings Day” on 16th April

​Enjoying a private and undiscovered setting has some advantages in Brentford, but local boat residents based around Catherine Wheel Road decided to share Brentford’s best kept secret on 16th April at their Open Mooring event.With sixteen vessels moored at Town Wharf and eight boats at Malthouse Wharf the residents were delighted to work with the artists’ community on Johnson’s Island to open up some of the hidden areas surrounding the canal at Catherine Wheel Road. And how the community responded!! We estimated well in excess of three hundred visitors, including our MP Ruth Cadbury, local historians and waterways supporters curious to know something of the vibrant, waterside community that exists in the development area south of the High Street. Moorings, boats and people unknown to many long terms Brentford residents, were discovered over a 6 hour period. Visitors were encouraged to be curious about boats, moorings, facilities and the lifestyle. Families with children were occupied with a drawing competition and a quizzical trail to follow and wherever possible guests were shown aboard to see the true reality of life afloat.

Aided by the “Brewery Tap” pub at the bottom of the road, people bought burgers and supped ale, listened to live music in between excursions to the moorings and the art exhibition. Helping that along were the football supporters for the home game against Bristol City; the pub was “standing room only” for much of the day and evening.

The object of the Open Day, apart from exhibiting the artists’ works, was to raise the profile of the waterside community, all of whom are dedicated to retaining and furthering Brentford’s unique marine and canal heritage as an integral part of London’s River, Canal and Wharf activity that dates back hundreds of years.The visitors were treated to full “Devon Cream Teas” supplied by the boats residents, with the tea itself generously provided by the Brentford business “Teapigs” from Pump Alley. Director of Malthouse Wharf, John Bowen said “The community involvement, interaction and responses were everything we could have been hoped for. The wonderful atmosphere and encouraging comments from visitors reflected what the boat residents have known for decades about this microcosm of Brentford.” Comments from visitors included “ It’s great to see waterside alive with boats”, “Long may it continue, even in ‘new’ Brentford redevelopment”, “This wonderful community and history must not be lost!”

This canal heritage of “Old Brentford” could be compromised by pending housing and retail development, and boat and artist residents are determined to their boats and lifestyle are conducive to co-existing as a vibrant, active part of the community in any new development.

All the owners and boat residents of Catherine Wheel Road work in the area, pay their tax, boat leases and licences as required and comply with Canal and River Trust requirements regarding certifications and insurance. Many rely on the “Affordablity” of their “housing stock” to be able to live and work in this increasingly more expensive part of West London.

The concerns highlighted by this “Open Day” is that no Waterside Infrastructure Development Plan is currently in place, despite planning permission being granted for phase one of the Ballymore development in Brentford. It’s vital to ensure the continuity of the community once the waterfront has been “worked over” by the developers, that the Waterfront Heritage is correctly identified and is authentic not just to ‘olden days’ use but to current use of the waterfront to. ​​The Waterside Infrastructure Development Plan needs to be consulted on and agreed before work starts on phase one and before any further planning consent for phase 2 and 3 of the Ballymore development. These concerns are understood by local Councillors, Hounslow planning and regeneration officers and local MP and Brentford resident Ruth Cadbury and we are keen to push forward and take an active part in all consultations and planning for the future of Brentford’s historic waterfront.

If you were unable to visit the Open Moorings Event, would like more information or to visit us at Malthouse Wharf please contact John Bowen020 8568 3693john.rietvink@btinternet.com